Last week, reports of protests inside and outside H&M stores in South Africa emerged following the company’s highly controversial ad. Now, The New York Times reports that H&M has temporarily closed some of its outlets across the country.

Videos and photos on social media showed people protesting by destroying mannequins and racks of clothing inside various stores, as well as large groups protesting in malls across several cities.

The Swedish fast-fashion giant has since issued an apology, however, it has seemingly failed to quell the outrage.

Demonstrations were reported at shopping centers in Cape Town and Pretoria, as well as at several locations in and around Johannesburg. In an emailed statement to The New York Times, H&M confirmed that it would be closing its stores “out of concern for the safety of our employees and customers.”

Social media was divided when it came to the protests, with some praising them and others arguing that the destruction was counterproductive and went against the discussions that should be happening in the wake of the ad.

That @hm nonsense of a clothing store is now facing consequences for its racism. All rational people should agree that the store should not be allowed to continue operating in South Africa. Well done to Fighters who physically confronted racism. pic.twitter.com/cgdedYGoOj

EFF’s message was loud and effective but went against what should be happening which is discussions. H&M contribute to the country and money that flows. They provide jobs and give people access to funds – even if only one H&M store closes or closes for a while it affects a family

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